TheCarConnection.com has researched a range of published road tests from top-tier sources in order to bring you all the most useful information on the 2010 Jeep Patriot . Editors from TheCarConnection.com have used their firsthand impressions of the Patriot to compile our own authoritative take in this Bottom Line.

Likes
Boxy, distinctive styling
Maneuverability
Fuel efficiency

Dislikes
Plasticky, cheap-feeling interior
Road and engine noise
CVT doesn't work well with engine

With the shift to crossovers and smaller SUVs , it is appropriate that the 2010 Jeep Patriot sits on a car platform. It is mechanically similar to both the more softly styled Jeep Compass and the more carlike Dodge Caliber , but the Patriot gets boxier, chunkier styling that both looks better and is more functional than either of its platform-mates.

For 2010, the Jeep Patriot remains relatively untouched compared to last year's model. For this year, we see the return of the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 158 horsepower in the base Patriot Sport 4x2, but it still provides barely adequate performance. The 172-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that's included in the rest of the line is considerably more energetic but not peppy. Both are offered with a five-speed manual or CVT automatic, and the Patriot can be had with either front- or all-wheel drive. Both engines can be very loud during hard acceleration with the CVT, as it allows the engine to rev near redline for a sustained period. This is still the case, even though the Patriot received a number of small changes last year to combat this issue, including a new engine compartment and interior floor insulation to reduce noise.

Parking an off-roading SUV can be the stuff of nightmares, but with clearly defined corners, the Jeep is easy to park and fits into small spaces, thanks to its compact-car size. Dynamics and maneuverability, surprisingly, are strengths. The 2010 Jeep Patriot has good, communicative steering, and although the body leans some, it doesn't seem out of place on a curvy road.

The Patriot's seating is well laid out; the front seats aren't that supportive, but due to the boxy shape, there's plenty of headroom in front, plus enough headroom and legroom in the back for adults. Just two adults will fit comfortably in the backseat of the 2010 Jeep Patriot , due to the narrow body and lack of shoulder room inside. When it comes to the interior, it's hard not to mention the word "plastic" when describing almost any item. In this way, the Patriot's interior is basic and sturdy--looking--though not wholly unattractive. The plus side of all this plastic trim is that if you do take it off-roading and track mud everywhere, it'll be a lot easier to clean than carpet or leather. Additionally, the cargo floor is rubberized and cleans up easily. Other standard features include a rechargeable flashlight stored in the rear cargo area and speakers that can fold out from the back ha...

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